Friday, July 26, 2013

I'm Not Perfect, but I Know God is Making My Life a Testimony for His Glory

My journey to "adulthood" has brought me to some paths where I often need a firm reminder of where I am headed and where I came from. My messy past causes me to cringe and question my confidence, but my trust in God allows me to be lifted and stand unashamed.

In October, I had the privilege of travelling to Ireland and spend time there worshiping with and learning from Benedictine monks. Brother Thierry, a French monk, explained that he and his brothers read the same bible scripture about 4 times a day and heard the same message during the course of the day. He said they did this so that they were reminded of the significance of what they were taught. Like children, we often need to be reminded of something more than once in order to remember it!

The thing I like about God (one of the MANY) is that He is kind and loving enough to remind us of our mistakes and sins and allows us the opportunity to repent. I've often found that in my stubbornness, God does not mind taking time to teach me lessons a few times until I have learned them.

Just recently, I began studying the book of Proverbs again as I needed reminders of how to obtain wisdom, knowledge and understanding through Him. Reading these chapters day by day is a constant reminder of this strong and eloquent virtue, described as a "she." I contemplate this virtue and often wonder if my life imitates these characteristics described. Are my ways "of pleasantness" and my "paths peace"? (Prov. 3:17).

It's easy to forgo these characteristics and act in any manner especially when you are tempted and distracted by things that are not of God. These verses remind me daily of the person I aspire to be. Christ.

In Ireland, Brother Thierry talked about one of their main visions as Benedictine monks. Being Christ to others. We are Christ in our actions, in our words, and through our love. By being pleasant and peaceful unto others, we are not only allowing Wisdom to cloth us, we are allowing God's light to shine.

In college, I remember being so closed to new ideas and restricting myself from stepping outside of my comfort zone. Because of this, I depended on worldly ideals to bring me comfort and became closed minded to the comfort I knew existed in God and through His word. Now, because I have these daily reminders in scripture, I am excited to see how God will use my life as a testimony. I am excited to see how He will turn it around and open doors. Mostly, day by day, I am excited to be Christ for others; showing pleasantness, walking peace and maintaining wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.